Regional Director Romulo Bernardes of the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board signed yesterday afternoon a show- cause order to be issued to Vallacar Transit Inc. today, and said that a preventive suspension could be imposed on buses under two franchises of the firm.

This was after two Ceres Liner buses of VTI collided at the highway of Brgy. Santo Niño in EB Magalona, Negros Occidental, leaving four passengers dead and 47 injured Wednesday.

Bernardes, who was at the accident scene Wednesday, said the show cause order requires VTI to submit an explanation on the incident to the LTFRB.

The LTFRB could then issue a 30-day preventive suspension to 10 Ceres Liner buses covered by VTI's Victorias-Bacolod franchise, and one bus under the Escalante-Bacolod franchise, he said, adding that does not preclude the issuance of other penalties, if warranted.

The drivers of the two franchises will have to attend LTFRB seminars and undergo drug-testing, while their buses will undergo inspections, Bernardes said.

Meanwhile, a mass is set at the VTI North Terminal in Bacolod this morning, after which flowers will be brought to the accident site and candles will be lit there.

Jade Seballos, VTI media and legal affairs head, said the bus firm will submit its explanation to the LTFRB in compliance with the show- cause order.

Meanwhile, she said they are providing assistance to the families of the dead and to the 47 injured who are still confined in four hospitals in Bacolod City.

The dead were identified as Ronil Anciano, Nemia Pacino, Ronnie Jabaro and Ignacio Cañete.

VTI is also conducting its own investigation into the accident and its employees who are found at fault will be terminated, she said.

She added that the bus firm spends a lot of money for seminars and trainings to professionalize their drivers, and they are saddened that the accident occurred.*CPG

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